Gene Green joins fight for Keystone Pipeline

It’s been four and a half years since Transcanada filed for a permit to build the Keystone XL Pipeline. It seemed a decision was finally going to be made when the State Department found that the Keystone Pipeline would not be harmful to the environment earlier this month, but the president has yet to give it the green light.

Texas representatives are attempting to speed up the process.

Today, House Energy and Commerce Committee member Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry urging him to approve Keystone XL Pipeline.

In his letter, Green highlighted the pipeline as a vital source of energy that will reduce American dependence on the Middle East and Venezuela. Green said it will enhance the safety of current oil transports in North Dakota.

“This pipeline is an important piece of our quest for energy security and after the latest environmental impact study showing there is still not a significant environmental impact, there is no reason to delay this decision once the final EIS is ready. I hope Secretary Kerry will recognize the importance of the pipeline and do what is right for our economy and energy security,” Green said.

Attached was a reminder of the popularity of the legislation – copy of a letter sent to President Obama in January in support of the pipeline that was signed by 145 members, including many Texans.

Green’s push for action is working in conjunction with Congress’ Hooven-Baucus legislation, which would invoke power given to them by the Commerce Clause of Construction to leapfrog the president’s decision. The bill is backed by both sides of the aisle, including Texas Senator John Cornyn. The vote on the bill is expected to happen in May.